Eight Manchester United players and three officials were killed in the tragedy at Munich in 1958
Manchester is to once again remember those affected by the Munich air disaster,
Manchester is to once again remember those affected by the Munich air disaster,(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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Manchester is to once again remember those affected by the Munich air disaster, which tragically claimed the lives of 23 people. Friday (February 6), will mark 68 years since the plane tragedy which killed eight Manchester United players and three officials.
Manchester United have announced that a remembrance service is to be held at Old Trafford, for supporters to pay their respects and remember those who lost their lives in the incident. At the same time, representatives from the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) will lead tributes at the Manchesterplatz Memorial in Munich.
Tragedy struck on February 6, 1958. Manchester United had been to Yugoslavia to play in a European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade before the squad and others on board set off for home on a chartered British European Airways plane.
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The aircraft, an Airspeed Ambassador 2, stopped in Munich to refuel. Engine issues led to two aborted take-offs and by the time a third take-off attempt was made, snow had covered the runway with slush. The aircraft crashed through a fence at the end of the runway and into a house.
Eight Manchester United players and three officials were killed in the tragedy at Munich in 1958
Eight Manchester United players and three officials were killed in the tragedy at Munich in 1958(Image: MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS)
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Seven players died at the scene - Duncan Edwards died in hospital a fortnight later, while others including Bobby Charlton and manager Sir Matt Busby were gravely injured but would go on to recover. Eight sports journalists were also killed, including the Manchester Evening News' Tom Jackson.
Investigations determined that the slush on the runway had slowed down the aircraft, leaving it with not enough speed to leave the ground and not enough runway to abort take-off.
Each year, fans and supporters of United pay their respects in memorial services at Old Trafford. This year marks 68 years since the incident occurred at Munich-Riem Airport in Germany.
The club will host the remembrance service from 2.45pm. Supporters are invited to gather under the Munich clock at the East Stand. Reverend John Boyers will lead the service, followed by a roll of honour, readings and poems, including from journalist and supporter Andy Mitten and United legend, Sammy McIlroy.
Wreaths will also be laid under the Munich clock. Supporters are also welcomed to visit the International Suite at Stretford End to view memorabilia from 1958. In previous years, the ground outside the stand has been left filled with floral tributes by supporters paying their respects following a service.
Match-going supporters are also invited to pay tribute to the tragedy on February 7 at the Premier League home fixture against Spurs, with flags flying at half mast.